Shifra Epstein

Yiddish poet and translator Yehoash lived at the famous Hotel Klibitsky in Rehovot for almost four months in 1914; the hotel featured frequently in his published travelogue. This note in the hotel’s guestbook, now in the city archive, marks his stay.

May 15, 2020

Posters like this one for special events, graduations, sales of Hasidic garments, computers, new books, videos and more are still popular in the Hasidic neighborhoods of Brooklyn. However, in recent years the internet has changed the business.

Jan 24, 2020

A summary of the first pirem-shpil or “Purim play” written, produced and performed by Bobover Hasidim in the United States after the Second World War. 

Feb 14, 2017

In honor of Purim, a fine calligraphed scroll of Yehoash’s translation into Yiddish of the Book of Esther, completed by the poet’s daughter Chava.

Mar 22, 2016

A new translation of a purim-shpil performed by the Bobover Hasidim in New York in 1987 with audio and photographs of the performance offers a unique glimpse into contemporary hasidic culture. 

Nov 03, 2015

A look at an example of the famed Yiddish new years cards. This one is a “good year ship ticket,” granting the receiver “120 free yearly round-trips for himself and his family.” 

Sep 09, 2015